Get organized

In the beginning, your restaurant supply list may seem never-ending. But the more organized you are about supplies, the easier managing them will be over time.

I recommend: Use the Restaurant Resource Group's startup checklist to better manage your supply list.

Use software created for restaurants

There are a variety of software products that can help keep your inventory and costs in check. Save money and time by investing in a software solution that best meets your needs.

I recommend: Use Cost Genie or ChefTec to help track inventory and food supplies, as well as audit menu item prices and food and beverage costs.

Find discounted restaurant supplies online

Many sites offer discounted new and used supplies, including paper products and linens. The first items you will need to find are essentials like kitchen equipment, tables, chairs and barstools.

I recommend: Find kitchen and restaurant supplies at ACityDiscount, Tundra Specialties, Food Service Direct or the National Restaurant Association's Equipment Directory.

Choose POS software

Your point-of-sale software may be one of the most important technology decisions you make as a restaurant owner. You want something that's easy to use, easy to teach other people to use and fits into your operational processes.

I recommend: Find POS systems in the DMOZ Restaurant POS Software or PowerSourcing directories. You also can get POS systems from TA Technologies, Denver Research Software Development or POSGuys.com.

Find food and alcohol distributors

Once you have your start-up supplies, it's time to determine who will be your ongoing food and alcohol distributors. This is the most important vendor relationship you will have, so choose it wisely.

I recommend: Use the National Restaurant Association's food and beverage directories to find your distributor.